Fellaini: A Man Who Divides Opinion

By Andy Jones

It’s probably an understatement to say that no current United player, with perhaps the exception of Wayne Rooney, divides opinion as much as Marouane Fellaini.

Embarrassingly jeered by sections of his own supporters in December during the Spurs match, he has become an unlikely pivotal figure in midfield in the climax of Mourinho’s first season.

Seen by many supporters as a symbol of David Moyes’ disastrous tenure, Fellaini has endured some difficult times in his United career.

Despite the fans criticism, he seems to be trusted by his managers, with Moyes, LVG and now Mourinho using his services on a regular basis.

The Belgian has now made 86 appearances for the club, and those within the club, highlight the fact that the player understands what is required of him by the manager, and is able to carry out instructions on the pitch.

Whether this be in a defensive midfield role, or as an aerial threat further up the pitch.

Criticism Unfair!

I think the criticism is unfair on the player, the knee jerk reactions on social media when he is selected are slightly exaggerated.

Calling him the “worst player to ever wear the shirt”, clearly these fans weren’t around to see the likes of Ralph Milne, Djemba-Djemba, Liam Miller and David Bellion stink the place out.

Did the club over pay for him, yes, but as in the case of Paul Pogba, that is hardly the players fault.

Should he be a first team regular, again no, but every team needs a squad of players.

Under Ferguson we had the likes of John O’Shea, Ji Sung Park, Phil Neville and to an extent Nicky Butt and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who all had a key role to play in United’s dominance.

The team’s success depends on its strength in depth, to cope with adversity when injuries arise. If you’d looked at Liverpool’s substitute bench at the weekend against Crystal Palace, it was a alarmingly weak.

Despite the amount of money they have spent.

Imagine the dilemma facing some of our support if Fellaini heads the winner in the 90th minute in Stockholm in May!